Steel partition and the like.



H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARUTION AND THE LIKE.

y APPLICATION FILED DEC. 30. 1913. 1,241,635. Patented 00E. 2,1917.

6 SHEETS-SHEET Egvmfuawoo @We zum@ H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARTITION AND'THE LIKE.

APPLlcATloN man Dc.3o. 1913.

Patented Oct. 2, 1917.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2- WIM l H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARTITION AND THE LIKE.

SHEET 3. YC?.

l APPLICATIN FILED DEC. 30| |913. 1,241,635. Patented Oct. 2

i 6 SHEETS- if@ H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARTITION ANuTHE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 30 1913.

Patented Oct. 2, 1917.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARTITION AND THE LIKE.

1917. SIIE'ET 5.

21 Lb- C O d G t D e t na D... u.. m.. nu 3 rm E D D rr. n N 0 U A m mDI A l ..0 oo n0 1 2 1 6 SHEETS- H. KLEIN.

STEEL PARTITION AND THE L IKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC.30| |913.

Patentd Oct. 2 1917.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

I n I I n l SH01: um;

oFFic.

HENRY KLEIN, oF NEW VYORK, N. Y.

STEEL PARTITION AND THE LIKE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 2, 1917.

Application led December 30, 1813. Serial No. 809,563.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, HENRY KLEIN, now a citizen of the United States ofAmerica, residing at New York city, in the county of New York and Stateof New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in SteelPartitions and the like, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain improve-4 ments in metal partitionsand the like; and the objects and'nature of the invention will bereadily understood by those skilled inthe art in the light of thefollowing explanation of the accompanying drawings illustrating what Inow believe to be the preferred embodiments and mechanical expressionsfrom among other formations, arrangements and constructions within thespirit and scope of the invention.

The invention consists in certain novel features in construction and incombinations as more fully and particularly set forth here? inafter.

Referring to the accompanying drawings :-4 s

Figure 1, shows a length of partition eml'bodying my invention andcomprising several pilaster posts provided with extensions, severalpanel u'nits or sections (in this instance, I show sections of differentwidths) and several partition extension sections arranged between thepost extensions... Fig. 2, ,is a vertical section on the line 2-'2,Fig! 1. Y

Fig. 3,1is a vertical section on the line 3*.3, Fig. 1.

Fig. 4, is a horizontal section on the line 4 4, Fig. 1|.

Fig. 5, is a horizontal section on the line 5 5, Fig. 1.

Fig. 6, is a.4 horizontal section on the line 6 6, Fig. l.

Fig. 7, is a horizontal section on the line 7-7, Fig. 1.

Fig. 8, is a detail detached perspective of one end of the chair rail ofa sectlon showpilaster section or unit, showing the bottom support andfastening therefor, and a portion of a able end.

Fig. 10, is a horizontal section through a corner formation and adjacentposts, and parts of panel sections. 4

Fig. 11, is a detail perspective View of the upper end of a pilasterpost, a coupling iron elevated therefrom, 'and the upper ends of twostiles separated from the panel sections of which they form a permanentpart.

Fig. 12, is a horizontal section in the plane of the line 12-12, Fig. 1,but showing certain parts of the panel section separated.

Fig. 13, is a detail perspective View of a panel section or unit.

Fig. l4, is a vertical section on the line 111-14, Fig. 1.

Fig. 15, is alongitudinal vertical section through a portion of thepartition. Y

Fig. 16, is a detail perspective of a portion of the adjustable frametransom or panel frame over the door.

Fig. 17, is a horizontal section on the line 17-17, Fig. 16. Fi. 18,is'a detail erspective showing a coup ing iron secured) tol a post andtwo panel sections.

The partition of this invention is made up of pilaster posts providedwith extensions, main panel or filling sections or units to fit theposts and. iill in the spaces between theposts, and extension or transomsections post extension and its adjust- Vto fill in the spaces betweenvthe post extensions.

In the particular'example illustrated, the posts are similar andinterchangeable, and each is longitudinally hollow and composed of asheet steel (or other suitable metal) casing or tubular wall 1, andstift'ening bars, plates or members 2, extending approximatelythroughout the length of said tubular casing and secured thereto. Thetubular casing 1, extends throu hout the length of main or body portiono4 the post and is composed of one or more sections of suitable sheetmetal drawn, bent up or otherwise manipulated to form the casin with thetwo front and rear or opposite-side pilaster faces 1, that constituteexposed or ornamental surfaces of the partitionintervening between thepanel sections and the twol opposite edge portions-Y1b frmed to receivethe edges of the panel sections of the parti` tion. Said opposite edgeYportions are de-l pressed or odset inwardly to form longitudinalgroovesorisockets extending through- 'out thelength of the tubular casing andarranged between the four longitudinal corners of said casing which inthis instance lconstitute ribs or tongues 1c, to provide saidvlintervening grooves or sockets. In the exthe exterior ampleillustrated, the two edge sockets of a post are similar and in widtheach longitudinal socket is almost'equal to the thickness of the postbetween itsv front and rear ornamental or exposed surfaces la. Thevertical or longitudinal metal plates or bars 2, of the posts arearranged in said sockets andA form the floors thereof and the s heetmetal is se cured thereto by rivets, bolts or screws 2a, or

by other suitable means. These stifening or strengthening bars 2, extendapproximately ythroughout the length of the tubular casing of the post,and are preferably arranged at thereof approximately as shown, so as tobe concealed by the panel sec-l tions when the partition is set up. Astrong stiff metal post is thus provided whichcan be readilymanufactured in standard sizes and kept in stock. 4The metal sheets canbe readily bent .or struck up and the stiening bars can 'be readilyapplied thereto to secure and connect the vertical edges of the sheetsand to strengthen and stiflenthe complete-d hollow post, or each postcan be composed of a single length of tubingsee Fig. 10.

When set up, the posts of a partition preferably `rest on and aresecured to a Hat floor strip 4, secured to the loor in anyV suitablemanner see Fig. 15. The lower ends of the posts rest on the top face ofsaid strip andv are secured thereto by angle brackets 5, having theirvertical legs engaging and secured to the lower ends of the stiflenlngplates 2, by suitable screws or the like, land their horizontal legsresting on .Y the floor strip and secured vthereto by suitable screwsvor the like. -These securing brackets are arranged in the lower ends ofthe edgesockets of the post and hence v,are

" l covered and concealed when the-panel sec.

. meanest formedY with. oppositely projecting horizontal flanges 7,extending toward eachother in the upper end of the' tubular casing sothat said flanges are arranged between the upper ends of the edge walls1b of the po teasing. A coupling plate or iron 8, exten s lacross `theupper end of the post casing and rests on the top faces of the flanges 7and is secured to said langes by screws 9. The plate projectshorizontally and in o posite directions from the upper end o the post toextend over the top portions of the two panel sections fitted in theopposite edges of said post, and is formed with vertical perforations toreceive bolts or screws 10,

by whichV said plate is secured to said panel sections. The couplingplate is formedwith a central or intermediate portion to occupy` theupper end of the tubular casing and lto rest on vthe lianges 7 and thisintermediate portion is formed with a central vertical opening 11,co-inciding with the space between the adjacent end edgesy of theflanges 7, and the edge walls of the post casing for the passage of thepost extension, as more fully set forth hereinafter. The upper ends ofthe edge walls of the post casing are reduced or cut away centrallybetween the tongues or ribs 1, (see Figs. 9, 11) so that the'couplingplate can set down in the upper end of the post with its top surfaceapproximately Hush with the upper end of the post,'. e., with the topedges of the side walls la. The end portions of the coupling yplate arereduced in width to lit down in the cut away portions of the edge wallsso that the central or intermediate portion of 5 the plate can it -downwithin the post end and approximately completely ill the same and inconnection with the plates 6, lock the post against independent lateralplay or movement. The reduction of the coupling. plate end portions,forms the bod or intermediate portion of the plate wlth corner stopshoulders 12, to abut the inner surfaces 'of the corner portions of theedge walls and thereby' .aid in bracing the post and locking the same tothe coupling plate.

In Fig. 1, I indicate the panel sections by the reference letters a.

The panel sections are composed of metal and while I prefer to make allof these sections of the same height,l also all of the pilaster posts ofthe same vertical length, yet panel sections can be provided of differ-.ent widthsl to suit varlous requirements.

These sections are all of the same construction vand hence areinterchangeable. In Fig. l, panel sections of different widths areshown-merely for the purpose of indicating that these sections can beIliade up according to certain standard sizes. The. panel sections areindividually y complete and are preferably made up` in quantities at theshop orfactory, and this also applies to the posts, and kept in stock sothat the necessary units can be selected from stock and at once sent outready toV assemble and be set up at the required.

In the particular example illustrated, each panel section, consists of apair of similar vertical oppdsite-longitudinal-edge pieces or stiles 14,a top rail, a chair rail, and a base rail, a glass panel, and anopaquepanel. Each stile is of a thickness, from one side face to the other, tosnugly lit in the edge socket or groove of any pilaster post unit withits flat parallel side faces 14C,

voverlapping the flat parallel inner longitudinal side faces of the pairof longitudinal ribs 1, of said post unit forming the side walls of saidpost socket (see Fig. 11). The side faces 14, of the stile are ofgreater Width than the side faces of the ribs 1, between which saidstile lits (see Fig. 11). The inner longitudinal portion of each stile,beyond the opposite flat side faces14c, is of reduced thickness, therebyforming the alined flat parallel opposite side shoulders or abutments14d. The longitudinal reduced portion of each stile is formed with alongitudinal groove, socket or depression 14e, at its longitudinal edgeto receive the panel moldings.

The corresponding outer longitudinal edge 14, of each stile forms alongitudinal socket or depression between the opposite edge tongues orflanges 14h. These stiles extend throughout the vertical length of thepanel section and at their upper ends 'are fitted and secured to theends of the to rail 15, and this top rail 15, is kpreferab y of the samecross sectional dimensions and formation as the said stiles. The ends ofthe stiles and top rail 15, can if so'desired, be cut olf angular-ly andpermanently fixed together to form niiter jointsat the upper corners ofthe panel section. y

A stift" reinforcing plate or bar 16, is preferably arranged on andlongitudinally lof,

the top edge of the panel section and secured thereto by vertical screwsor other means. This bar preferably extends approximately throughout thewidth of'the panel section and lits down in the longitudinal top-depression or groove of the top rail of said section between thelongitudinal edge flanges of said rail that correspond to the edgeflanges 14", of the stiles 14; The chair and base rails of the sectionextend between and are fixed to the two stiles, and are vertically andcentrally notched at their ends to straddle and snugly fit thelongitudinal reduced inner edge portions of the stiles and so that thesquarly cut olf end edges of each rail end at opposite sides of thenotch will squarely abut the opposite shoulders 14", of the stile, seeFigs. 7, 8, and 13, with the opposite side faces of the rails in part atleast approxi.

place Where the partition isA mately flush With the side faces 14d, ofthe stileS.

The vertical notches in the rail ends straddling the reducedlongitudinal inner edge portions of the stiles, will accurately centerall of the rails so that the rail side faces will be properly locatedwith respect to the stile side faces and will enable the operatives toaccurately and easily lit the rails and stiles together, while theprovision of the stiles with ledges or shoulders 14d, against which theends of the railssquarly abut renders it possible to cut the rails inquantities to exact lengths and to rapidly and accurately assemble thesame with and lit the same to the stiles with the formation of finishedjoints between the stiles and rails and the production of panel sectionsof accurate widths. A particular object is to provide partitionstructures whereby the partition units can be individually completed andfinished at the factory and kept in stock in quantities ready to beshipped or sent out knocked down, and capable of bein assembled-'and setup in oflice buildings and elsewhere without the assistance of expensiveskilled or expert labor. It is very expensive to send skilled or expertmechanics from the factory lto set u and assemble partitions. In fact,it wou d be impossible to do so from the standpoint of cost where thepartition is shipped knocked down to distant cities for erection.However, partitions built in accordance with my invention can be shippedknocked down to distant points and can be there erected by unskilledmechanics without the aid of skilled or expert assistance.

Furthermore, the panel section parts, whether wooden or metal, can Abevery economically manufactured and assembled to form the completednished'sections where composed of the Stiles and` rails approximately asdisclosed.

By employing stiles approximately of the cross sectional formationdescribed, I avoid the `expense of separate panel frames between thestiles and various rails inasmuch as the reduced inner edge portions ofthe stiles form the vertical portions of the panel frames, and thevarious rails can be correspondingly formed to constitute parts of thepanel frames. To this end, I form the top rail 15, of the same crosssectional form as the stiles, and hence the inner longitudinal edgeportion of said top rail is centrally reduced at its sidev faces and itsinner edge Wall is formed with longitudinal groove or socket 15a. Thetop and bottom portions 17 of the chair rail are also of approximatelythe same cross sectional form as'the top rail and consequently have thelongitudinal reduced edge portions formed at their edge walls7 withlongitudinal grooves or sockets 1 a. i

The top portion 18 of tlie bese rail is also ol" approximately tbe seinecross sectional lorm es 'the top rail ond its reduced edge portion lios'the longitudinal .groove '18'.

-Any suitable upper panel, suoli es gloss panel 1,9, is arranged in 'tbefreine formed by the two l,.stiles', tbe top ruil lo, `and the up- 4perport-1011.17 ol' tbe elisir ruil, and 'this glass panel is secured inmolding` 20, 'formed by strips of molding,l connected et their ends byiniter joints or otherwise. Tliese moldings are tted in tbe grooves les,oi the stiles and l5, and l'lf", oit tlie top reil and elisir rail.These moldings are formed Witn e liXed bead, and 'tlie gloss is seoure-dthere- :igeinst by removable Ibeeds or. strips 29?, secured by screws2Gb, passing 'tlirougli mol-dings 2G, and into reinforcing bers 20C, inseid moldings, See Fig. l2, snion'g others.

Any suitable lovver panel, suoli es epoque panel 2l, (metal il sodesired) is secured in the ironie formed by the stil-es, elisir rail undbese ruil by suitable grooved inolding 2l, consisting ott strips oimolding preferably connected at their ends by reiter joints und tted inand lield by the grooves les, ol' the Stiles andthe grooves 17a, end i8@of tbe chair and bose rails.. The panel is fitted in the groove oi tliemolding before tbe Seine is Secured and molding irernes QU, end 2l, eenbe iittedin tbe penel Section before tbe s'tiles und rails thereof orepermanently secured together.

ln tlie steel or other Sheet metal construetion illustrated, l lorin tbeStiles ol similar lengths of the seine kind ol tubing, in tbe matter ofdimensions und shape. '.lbe top rail is also composed or e, length oithe Seine tubing.l v The elisir is composed el e mein or oenter length17h, el 'tubing approximately reotonguler in cross section and tvvolengths l? of tbe seine kind oli tubing es tlie Stiles end top rail..The thickness of tbe oenter tube 17h, is less than tbe extreme thicknesso'f upper and lower vtubes l?, oi the elisir rail and seid center tubel'l is shown litted between the edge flanges 2li/C, of seid upper andlower tubes l?, see 3,'vvbereloy tbe elisir rsil isl s'tillened endbruised end tbe f elisir roll es en entirety presents o peneled effector pleasing design.

'llie bose is composed ol e top section 18, composed ol u length oil?the seine tubing; es the Stiles and oertein ol 'the lbeve mentionedcross bers; s usually enlarged orlieavy loottorn tube 18h, rectangularin cross section and lien/ing opposite edge top longitudinal llangesloc; and on intermediate rectangular tube 18d, fitting between thedsngee 18, ol? the lovver tube and between tbe edge flanges 18", of theupper tube 18, whereby tbe bose or bottom rail is stiened end breoed,end

entirety presents o whereby the bese es on l fllie bese tube peneledele'ct, see Fig. 3.

i8, is 'formed with e bottoni Well to rest on the lloor Il, when tliepartition is set up.

The various tubes lf?, lll, 18, l, ond lh, ere oentrelly und vertiesllynotobed et 'their ende, es ner-einbefore described, to stroddle thereduced longitudinal edge portions of tbe und to produce list endssquerely abutting 'the let shoulders ld, of tlie stiles, see ligs. "l, 8and lo, lne ends of these rail-forming tubes ere `perlnonently securedto 'tbe stiles by bruzing, eleotrio 'Welding or in other suitablemanner.

yund sliep-es.

l reduce to niinirnuin the number of dii lier-ent dies and operationsrequired by tbus using s maximum number ol parte composed or lengths olfthe seine size forni, and et the seme time l enabled to producecompleted inislied 'panel seotions oit o. superior and highlyadvantageous oonstruo tion. t

'lne partition is provided vvitli e suitable oornioe arrangedlongitudinally 'thereof preferably so es to extend upwardly from 'tbeupper ends of tbe enel sections and the pilester lposts, and bridging orcontinuous across the joints ybetween tlie post and panel section units.ln tbe particular exemple illustrated3 tliis cornice is orined by pairsof lon@n strips or parallel moldings 22, oit

any suitable design pressed up from slieet metal und extending upwardlyund laterally in opposite directions from tbe upper ends of the post and,Leonel section units. The lower longitudinal edge portion Aof eacbmolding, is formed with e horizontal longitudinal llzrnge 22-,projecting inwardly or laterally from e longitudinal dependinef rib orshoulder Q2". These flanges or tbe moldings rest longitudinally on tbeubjoer .lunes or tbe reinforcing bers lo, oin 'tbe pon-el section toprolls and on tbe oouloliug 8 ere removably bolted or otliervvise seouredtliereto by 'tbe festenings 22C, und tbe tivo opposite-Side moldingsdiverge upvverdl 'from tlie upper ends of ktbe osnel sections end poststo the desired height.

The oouoling receive 'tbe crown or cornice molding fastenings, 22, lundslso st the opposite sides oli their body or intermediate portions 'Sothat crown ruoldung lastenn ings 22C, een extend 'tberetlirouffb andinto bolt or screw bolos in tbe laterally bent ends l?, oi tbe pistes"o, The longituditlie panel bars 8., preferably lievev threaded soolretsin their end portions to and thereby conceal the joints betweenthemoldings and posts and also center the parts and lock them inalinement.

In the particular example illustrated, l show the top longitudinal edgeportions of the diverging crown moldings formed by inwardly projectinghorizontal longitudinal flanges 22d, removably secured together. byhorizontal' plates 23, arranged longitudinally of the cornice and havingcentral longitudinal groove or socket 23a.

Where a door, such as 24, Fig. 1, is to be provided in the partition,two pilasterl post units are fixed the required distance apart and attheir upper ends above the door opening, are fixedlyvconnected by thecornice and a panel section reinforcing bar 16, to which the cornicevand the coupling plates 8 of said units are fixed.

The two post units constituting the door posts, are provided withremovable strips to form the door stop or 'bead and to receive thehinges carrying the door. For instance, posts can be provided at theiredges facing the door opening with sheet metal tubes 25, secured theretoremovably by screws or other means and extending throughout the lengthof each post and at their upper ends secured to the cornice o r to thecoupling plates 8, if

so desired.

Each sheet metal tube 25 can be formed to fit between the corner ribs ortongues 1, and to overlap the'outer faces thereof (see Fig. 12) 'and isformedl with door stop forming bead or shoulder 25a. These door stops25, canbe readily applied to the postunits and canbe readily removedtherefrom withp out damage thereto.

Each pilaster post is preferably provided with a-post extension 26,centrally and longitudinally arranged therein and projecting upwardlytherefrom'through the opening 11, of the coupling plate 8, of suchpost.'

The extension bar or member of a post is usually of about the samelength as the post and is vertically slidable .therein to project thedistance above the post required by the partition superstructure ortransom sections to be employed in the particular partition beinginstalled. The extensions are slidable or adjustable vertically andare-held or sccured in the desired vertical adjustmentby any suitablemeans. For instance, when the distance that the extensions must projectabove the posts or main partition in any articular instance, isdetermined, holes can )e drilled through said extensions at the properpoints, and ins 26, can be inserted in said holes to project laterallybeyond the edges of the extensions and rest on the coupling plates 8,and thereby uphold the extensions projecting the required distance abovethe main partition. y

Each post extension 26, is composed of sheet steel or other metalpressed into tubular form or to form a tubular casing reinforcedapproximately throughout its length by the longitudinal metal bars 27,to which the sheet metal is suitably secured.

The sheet metal forming the post extension is pressed to provide eachedge of the extension with a pair of longitudinal parallel projectingcorner ribs or tongues 28, a pair of parallel grooves 28, between saidribs, and a fixed bead 29, between said grooves.

The panels (usually glass) 30 of the transoms or superstructure areusually fitted between the edges of the post extensions and against theside faces of the fixed beads 29, thereof and said glass or other panelsare secured or clamped against said fixed beads by removable metalstrips or beads 31, the same as described in connection with the glasspanels 19, of the main partition.

The removable strips or beads 31, are removably secured by machinescrews or the like, extendingtherethrough and through the sheet metal ofthe tubular casing and A into threaded holes provided in t-he metalreinforcing bars 27 The glass or other panels 30, of the transom orsuperstructure, can be confined at their vertical edges to the postextensions, as j ustdescribed, and at their lower horizontal ,edges tocross bars or rails 34, and at their 'in the sheet metaltubes orcasings. The upper rails '35, are also formed by hollow sheet metalcasings having fixed and removable beads between which the panel 30, isclamped as just described Iin connection with the lower rail 34. Theupper rails 35 are stiffened and braced by upper channel bars 35,arranged longitudinally thereof and secured between the upperlongitudinal edges of the sheet metal casings forming said rails. l

The ends of the rails 34, 35, are centrally notched vertically totransversely fit andv straddle the beads 29, 31, of the post extensions26, and to form the pairs of longitudinally-projecting parallel tonguesor flanges 36, arranged at the opposite sides of the end and formed toslidably enter the longituainal groovesor sockets 28", in thelongitLdinal edges of the post extensions. The rails are thus formed ythe projections 36,

and intervening notches, to lit the inner lonEn gitudinal dat faces ofthe ribs 28, to center the rails and hold them against lateral delectionand 13o-conceal the joints between the post extensions and rails eventhough there are approximately slight inaccuracies in the lengths of therails or the lateral positions of the post extensions. 'lhe side facesol the tongues, lianges or projections 86, ol the rails lap the innervertical faces of the ribs 28, for substantial distances and thesedistances can be varied before the rail ends separate from the edges ofthe post extensions, see lligs. a and 9.

The rails 3l, 35, are made in certain lengths and kept in stock, and areremovably fitted between the post extensions as the partition is put up,and can be arranged `a greater .or less distance apart along the postextensions according to the sizes of the panels 30, employed in eachinstance, as the -ends of the rails will removably interlock with theedges of the post extensions at any points throughout the portions oftheir lengths formed to receive the panel ends. ln the completedpartition, the removable lower rails 34C, of the superstructure rest onand are supported by the plates 23, of the cornice or crown molding ofthe main partition. These lower rails usually t in and are arrangedlongitudinally of the grooves 23, of said plates.

rlhe partition superstructure or transom portion is provided with acornice preterably formed by opposite-side moldings 37, pressedup fromsheet metal and extending upwardly and outwardly from the opposite sidesof the topedge portions of the 4top rails 35 and secured thereto andalso travers ing opposite sides ot the upper end portions of the postextensions and secured thereto. rl`hese moldings are secured to theparts mentioned by machine screws 37, or the like, passed removablythrough the vertical lower longitudinal edge portions kof the moldingand into the post extensions and into the channel bars 35a, of the toprails. rEhe screws 37a, extend through perlorations in the sheet metalof said top rails, and enter threaded perforations in the dependinglanges of the channel bars.. lf so desired, th'e upper portions of thehollow post extensions 26, can be braced and stidened by comarativelyshort stilln bars or tubes ed, formin adjustable ends arranged thereinand adjustable longitudinally thereof to project the required distanceupwardly therefrom. rlhese top bars are articularly useful where theceiling to which) a partition` must be extended, has exposed beams (seeFig. l). Under such circumstances, the upper cornice 37, willapproximately close up against the under lor bottom edges or faces ofthe cross beams l), but means must be provided to ll in the spacesbetween said cross beams and y aesinet from the upper cornice 37 to theceiling. For this purpose, l usually employ spaced sheets of suitablelire proof material 41, usually fire-proof material strips 43, securedbetween their lower edges, while the upper ends of the sheets 4l, aresecured to usually grooved ceiling strip 42, and lit the opposite edgesthereof, The ceiling strip is suitably secured to the ceiling. 'lhesesheets and strips form removable filling panels at their top edgesfitting the ceiling, at their vertical edges litting the vertical sidesof the exposed beams, and at their lower edges fitted be tween thevertical lower portions of the opposite moldings 37, and usually restingon the channel bars 35a. f

llhere a post extension happens to be located beneath an exposed beaml), such ex.- tension can extend up to the beam and lit the ceilingstrip 42, which extends across all the beams and along the ceiling thefull length of the partition. `Where a post extension is located belowthe space between such beams, the end bar 40 of such extension isprojected upwardly to the ceiling strip ft2, and is suitably secured insuch position, to brace the parts and stillen the partition where thepost extension itself does not extend to the ceiling, and in thecompletely finished and assembled partitions, the adjustable ends 40,are concealed between the sheets el.`

By providing the post extensions with such telescoping or adjustableends, said extensions of a partition 'can all project the same distanceabove the main partition, that is, above the posts, and variations inthe height of the ceiling canbe taken care of-by the adjustable ends 40,and by the top edge lling panels 4-1, whereby certain advantages areattained.

lt is desirable to have the post extensions 26 ot a partition allproject the same distance. above the main partition so that the uppercornice moldings can be secured to the upper ends of all said extensionsand thus follow a straight horizontal line, and so that the holes in theextensions for the means (such as pins 26a) upholding said extensionswill be located in all extensions a like distance from the upper endsthereofa Anysuitable means or provision can be provided for securing theadjustable ends 40, to the post extensions after being ad- .drilled inthe adjustable ends to suit the requirements of each partition.

'lt 1s the common practice to provide swinging or pivoted sashes ortransoms in partitions above doors. Inasmuch as the superstructure.. ofmy partition is extensible to accommodate the partition as an entiretyto rooms having ceilings of various hei hts,'

-I provide a vertically extensible or adjustable swinging transom frameto receive a glass panel of any vertical width within certain limits,whereby similar extensible transom frames can be constructed and kept instock and adapted to partition superstructures of almost any height.

The particular construction of extensible transom frame illustrated byFigs. 1, 16, and 17, is rectangular in shape and consists of tubularsheet metal casings forming an open frame adapted to receive a glasspanel 46. The tubular frame is formed with a fixed bead 47, againstwhich the glass panel is secured by removable beading 47", removablysecured by screws entering reinforcing bars 47h, in the tubular casingapproximately as hereinbefore described in connection with otherportions of the partition.

The tubular sheet metal frame comprises upper and lower rails andvertical stiles. The stiles are fixed to the rails but the stiles arecomposed of slidably telescoping sections. For instance, the upper rail48, is

fixed to a pair of depending stile sections 48, while the-lower rail48h, is fixed to a pair of upwardly extending stile sections 48C,slightly larger than the sections 48, and slidably receiving the same sothat the frame as whole can be increased or diminished in verticallength to receive a glass panel of the required size by moving 'therails toward and from each other and thereby sliding the stile sectionsone within the other to decrease or increase the length of the Stiles.Suitable set screws 48d, can be provided to secure the'stiles in thedesired adjustments, and if so desired, reinforcing channel irons 48,can be arranged within the overlapping portions of the stile sections.If so desired strips of felt can be arranged between the glass panel andthe fixed beads 47, to vmake up for inequalities due to the overlappingsections.

The upper and lower rails 48, 48", can be provided with central verticalpivots 49, on which the transom is horizontally swingable (see Fig. 1)and these pivots can be mounted in upper andvlower transom supportingbars 50, 51, extending between a pair of post extensions 26, andsuitably secured in the partition approximately in the horizontal linesof the superstructure rails 34, 35, respectively.

Wherever it is necessary for the partition to change its direction andthereby form a corner, I provide an. improved corner post, or angular orcorner formation, by fixing a pair of post units adjacent to the apex ofthe angle of the corner or 'turn and filling in the space between thetwo posts by a corner r angular section or unit extending from the fioorstrip to the corner molding or cornice and another similarsuperstruct-ure section extending from the crown molding tothe uppercornice, while the space above the upper cornice can be filled'in by thepanels 41. This corner section consists of a double angular panel formedby spaced metal sheets 53, bent laterally to the required angle andsecured to' and spaced by interposed strips 54. The vertical edges ofthe panel are secured to and finished by tubes 14, corresponding exactlyto the tubes 14 of the panel sections and fitted removably in the edgegrooves of the post units, as shown by Fig. 10.

In setting up a partition, I usually secure the strip 4 to the fioor byany suitable means and extend said strip throughout the full length ofthe partition and from wall to wall. This strip can consist of sheetmetal pressed to the required form and preferably backed by and securedto a body of wood covered by the sheet metal. If so desired, verticalmetal strips 4a, can be arranged longitudinally along the opposite edgesof the floor strip with their lower edges extending to and usuallyfollowing the fioor sur` face where the fioor is uneven or not level.

The partition usually starts with a pilaster post located adjacent to awall but spaced a short distance therefrom. The space between the postor end of the partition and said adjacent wall can be filled in by anysuitable means. For instance, this space can be filled in by fire proofdouble wall panels fitting the wall and the adjacent post and consistingof spaced sheets'55, secured to and spaced by strips 56, and at onevertical edge secured or fitted in vertical sheet metal tubes 14 thatsnugly fit in the edge groove ofthe adjacent post unit and thatapproximately correspond in action to thetiibes 14 of the panelsect-ions.

The corresponding filling panel between the post extension and the wall,can have the edges 55,' of its sheets 55, extended to fit in thelongitudinal edge grooves 28a, of the post extensions see Fig. 4.

Finishing strips 57, can be provided, corresponding to the strips 4, ofthe fioor strip, to conceal spaces between the edge ofthe panels and thewall. The crown moldings or cornice 22. and the upper cornice 37 areusually extended from the adjacntpost and its extension to the wall, seeFig. 1.

The cornice moldings 22 are in long lengths so as to be continuous frompost to panel section units approximately. throughout the length of thetop of the main partition and constitute an important reinforcement forthe partition rendering the saine (in connection with the couplingplates 8) exceedingly stiff and rigid against lateral strains.

assises Theupper or superstructure cornice moldings 37 are also providedin long lengths approxi` mately continuous throughout the partition vand are secured to the post extensions and rails 35, and render thesuperstructure eX- ceedingly strong and stii1 against lateral strainsand thereby brace and stiffen the main partition.

The posts with their extensions and adjustable ends are preferably alikeand are made up 'in quantities and kept in stock.

` .The panel sections of the main partition are also standardized andmade up in quan tities completely finished and kept in stool; so thatany panel section is adapted to any post. rlihe moldings, couplings andtransoms are also preferably standardized and kept in stock.

4'llhese various parts making up a partition can be readily assembledand set up to constitute a complete partition, and canalso be Iso'readily separated without damage br injury to render the partitionsreadily removable and subject to alteration and remodeling withoutdestroying' the usefulness of the various sections 4or units in otherpartitions, or in dierent portions of the same partition.

'The panel sections can be made up complete'in various standard widths.

ln setting up a partition, the first pilaster post is mounted onthefioor strip and secured in position by a bracket 5, or other;suitable means. A panel section is then placed in' position on the doorstrip and snugly fitted to the post with a longitudinal stile 14, of thesection properly entered in a longitudinal edge socket of the y,postbetween a pair of corner ribs le, thereof. b'lhe neXt post is then setup and secured by a bracket 5, with the other stile le, of said panelsection fitted snugly between the adjacent ribs l, l, of said lastmentioned post., The posts and panel sections are thus secured andlassembled to complete the main partition.

Then before the cornice ,22, of the main partition is applied andsecured thereto, the upper ends of the various posts and sections arecoupled together by the coupling plates 8. y

Each coupling plate, having a pair of depending plates 6, securedthereto, is dropped into the upper end of its post so that the plates 6,depend in the post as hereinbefore described, and the ends of the plate8,' overlap the top rails of the two panel sections fitting said post.These plate ends are then secured to said top rails by screws or boltsas hereinbefore described.l Each ypost is coupled to thepanel sectionsfitting; it, by these coupling plates as just described.

The various post extensions can then be drawn up out of their posts toproject the required distance above the main partiti om and the pins areapplied to uphold the samen The cornice moldings of the main partitioncan then be applied and removably secured to the top rails of the panelsections and to the coupling); yplates 8, as hereinbefore described.

rlhe superstructure, panels and transoms can then be removably fittedbetween the post extensions and their adjustable ends and the upper orsuperstructure cornice can be applied, all as hereinbefore described, tocomplete the partition.

` Peculiar advantages are attained by providing; complete panel sectionsor units with the longitudinal parallel projecting flat edge sti-leslll, to it snugly between the edge or corner ribsv of the posts, andoverlap the inner side fiat vertical faces of said ribs for considerabledistances and in` sliding` engagement, This formation not only causesthepanel sections and posts to snugly interlock against independentlateral play, but the joints between said parte are concealed andcomparatively extensive movements of parts in the line of the partitionwill be required to cause a post and panel section to separate so lfaras to withdraw the stiles lil, from the inner side faces of ribs 1.,

lt is evident that various changes, modiiications, and variations mightbe resorted to, that parts might be added and thatfeatures might beomitted Awithout'departing from the spirit and scope' of my invention,and hence do not wish to limit myself to the exact disclosure hereof.

lJlhat l claim is LA. partition comprising,` a main partition, and asuperstructure secured thereto and rising therefrom andconsistingessentially of vertical panels, vertical post-likeextensionmembers vertically adj ust-able with respect to said mainpartition when being set up, and vertically adjustable ends for saidmembers adapted t0 be projected upwardly therefrom `to thel ceiling,substantially as described.

2. A partition comprising a main partition, and a superstructure securedthereto and rising therefrom and consisting essentially of verticalextension members provided with ends, each end being longitudinallyadjustable with respectto its member and adapted lto be projectedupwardly therefrom tothe ceiling, means for securing each adjustable endto its member in the desired adjustment, and panel sections for fillingqin the spaces between the members and upwardly projected ends.

3. A partition provided with a superstructure comprising post-likeextensions, panel sections between the same, adjustable ends yprojectingupwardly from certain of said extensions, lling panels between saidends, a cornice traversing said extensions and panelv sections, andmeans securing said cornice to said extensions, said means also lil( l Il lV serving to secure said ends to the1r respective extensions 1n thedes1red vert1cal adjustment with respect to said extensions.

4:: A knock-down partition comprising a mam partition, andasuperstructure supported thereby and rising from the top edge thereofand consisting essentially of vertilcal panels, upper and lower railsfor said panels, and 'vertical extension members having longitudinallybeaded edges toI receive the vertical edges of the panels and alsohaving pairs of longitudinal sockets in said edges, the ends of saidupperand lower rails having. pairs of longitudinally projecting tonguesto removably enter said sockets and intervening vertical recesses torecei've said beaded edges whereby said rail ends can be fitted to andinterlocked with said extension members at any portions of the lengthsof their beaded edges, substantially as described.

5. A partition comprising post-like mem. bers having longitudinal edgesformed with pairs of longitudinal sockets, said edges between thesockets of each pair being formed to receive and secure panels, andpanel hold ing rails having their end edges formed to fit said member'edges between the sockets and provided with pairs of tongues enteringsaid sockets, substantially as described.

6. ln a partition, in combinatiomaJ main partition, and a superstructurecomprising a post-like member composed of a sheet metal tube at oppositelongitudinal edges formedwith pairs of longitudinal ribs andintermediate fixed longitudinal beads, removable beads to secure panelsagainst said fixed beads, and panel rails having end tongues andrecesses to fit between the ribs and to receive said fixed and removablebeads, substantially as described.

7. A partition comprising a main partition, and a superstructuresupported thereby and rising therefrom and consisting essentially Jofvertical post-like members extending down into the main -partition andhaving longitudinal edges beaded to receive panels, vertical panels,lower panel rails on the top edge of the main partition and at their endedges vertically recessed to receive and lit said longitudinal edges ofsaid members, top rails for said panels vertically recessed at their endedges to receive and fit said longitudinal edges of said members andinterlock therewith against lateral deflection therefrom, and acontinuous crown molding extending across and secured` to side faces ofsaid members and'along and secured to side faces of said top rails andsupporting said top rails, substantially as described.

8. A knock down partition comprising panel sections, eachsectionprovided with vertical stiles having opposite parallel verticalside faces, the inner vertical longitudinal portions of said stilesbeing centrally reduced and forming longitudinal shoulders at both sidefaces and intermediate the widths of the stiles, rails between saidstiles having their ends vertically and centrally recessed and receivingsaid reduced inner portions of the stiles and forming end edges squarelyabutting said shoulders, pilaster members intervening'between saidsections and having longitudinal projecting edges overlapping saidparallel side faces of said stiles.to form concealed joints between themembers and sections, and a crown molding secured to said sections'andcontinuous from section to section across said members.

9. A partition consisting essentially of a main partition, and aknock-down superstructure comprising vertical panels, horizontal railsremovably receiving the upper horizontal edges of the panels, verticalstiles receiving the vertical edges of the, panels and composed ofvertical extension members having their longitudinal edges beaded totheir upper ends to receive and secure said panels, said rails havingtheir ends similarly recessed or notched centrally and vertically toremovably fit and receive said beaded edges of the extension members atany points along the lengths of said beaded edges and to therebyinterlock therewith against lateral deflection therefrom and a removablecontinuous molding traversing said extension members and arrangedlonglpilaster' sections closing thespaces between said panel sectionsand removably lapping the opposite side faces. of the vertical edgeportions of said panel sections throughout the vertical lengt-hsthereof, a continuous removable cornice above said pilaster and panelsections and having longitudinal bottom flanges at the top ends of saidpilaster sections and removably secured to the top edges of said panelsections, partition superstructure post extensions depending betweensaid panel sections and extending upwardly between the flanges of saidcornice, superstructure panels between said extensions above saidcornice, and removable bottom rails for said panels at their lower edgesfitting down on said cornice and at their ends removably fitting, theedges of said extensions.

1l. A partition comprising top vertical panel sections provided with toprails, crown moldings arranged along the opposite faces of said railsand projecting upwardly from said rails to form a socket between theirvertical portions and above the top edges of said rails, the upperlongitudinal edges of said moldings being spaced apart, and verticalfilling panels adapted to close the space between said top rails and theceiling and fitted down into said socket in engagement with saidvertical portions of the crown moldings whereby said panel is heldagainst lateral displacement.

12. ln combination, in a sheet steel knock down partition, pilaster postmembers at their lower ends adapted toV be secured to the tloor, panelsections between and at their vertical edges interlocking with saidmern. 'bers against lateral deflections, coupling plates traversing theupper ends ot and confined to said members and extending onto andsecured to the top edges of said sections, and a continuous crownmolding arranged abovesaid members and sections and having longitudinalbottom flanges fitted down on the'top edges of said sections and the topends of said members and arranged on and removably secured to saidplates and continuous across the joints between the members andsections, substantially as described.

13. A knock down partition comprising a of lthe posts and panelsections, substany tially as described.,

meneer ld. A main partition, in combination with a superstructurecomprising extension posts approximately' throughout the lengths oftheir opposite' edges formed to constitute the uprights of panel trames,removable cross bars extending between said extension posts to form theupper and lower rails ot' removable lling panels above said mainpartition and between said extension posts,l

the opposite edges of said several cross bars being similarly notchedvertically to transversely tit the edges of said extension posts at anypoints along'the lengths ot said edges thereof against lateraldisplacement without being secured at their ends to said extensionposts.'

l5. A knock down partition comprising longitudinally-hollow removablepilaster posts, means :tor removably securing the lower ends thereof tothe licor, the opposite edges of said posts formed approximatelythroughout 'their lengths with longitudinal seats, removable panelsectionsv at 'their vertical end edges removably fitted in said seats ofthe posts approximately throughout the lengths thereof, and removablecoupling members traversing the hollow upper ends of the posts andremovably secured on the top edges ot the panel sections, said couplingmembers having depending plates rigid therewith and removably fittedinthe open upper ends oit the posts to center said members with respectto the posts.

ln testimony whereof l atlix my signature in presence oitwo witnesses..

- HENRY KliilllN. ld/'itnesses llenar lo-narran,

Hanni A.. iiifnnnirann.

